The Boat Galley

So, you've decided to buy a cruising boat. Congratulations! Which is the best fit for you? A catamaran or a monohull? Here are some thoughts from someone who has cruised on both. Summary Which is a better cruising vessel, a catamaran or a monhull? After cruising aboard both a 37-foot monohull and later a 34-foot catamaran, I've seen benefits and drawbacks to each. For life aboard, a catamaran is more comfortable. Even a shorter cat will feel larger. Beds are more likely to fit standard sizes, and the space can feel light and airy. However, storage is usually easier on a monohull. They have more built-in storage spaces. In addition, while no boat should be overloaded, catamarans are particularly sensitive to weight. If you fill a cat with too many spares and tools, it will affect performance.  Underway, cats are faster. Without a heavy keel to push through the water, they slip along. However, monohulls tend to point higher when sailing upwind.  A catamaran's shallower draft opens up more anchoring possibilities. With twin engines, it can do some tricky maneuvers. However, with a wider beam and higher windage, close-quarters handling can be challenging.  Monohulls with fin keels are easier to maneuver, while full-keels can be especially fussy backing into a slip.  Catamarans offer tons of space to entertain in the cockpit. But in poor weather, the deeper and more sheltered cockpit of a monohull will feel safer in rough or cold conditions.  Generally, catamarans are easier to board. A monohull with a sugar scoop completes well. But generally, cats are easier.  While the catamaran's two engines offer a backup if one fails, they also require double the maintenance.  Their saildrives provide less drag but also require more maintenance. For people who dislike heeling, a catamaran's stability offers a big selling point. However, the motion is more jerky underway. Different sailors prefer different motions, and you have to experience it to decide for yourself.  With a roomier deck, sail handling tends to be easier on a catamaran. However, the annoying "slapping" sound under the bridge deck can be irritating when the waves hit wrong. It even happens at anchor. Noise can be another difference. Catamarans can have an annoying slap under the bridge deck when waves hit just right. It can happen even at anchor. Don't forget to consider righting ability. A monohull will nearly always right itself. A catamaran, while it's less likely to capsize, will not turn itself back up.  Catamaran costs can be higher because of their width. Consider the difficulties of finding a spot in a marina or getting hauled out. Insurance may be more expensive as well. Extra equipment--davits, windvanes, solar panels-- works better on one or the other. Think about your needs carefully. Finally, catamarans are nearly always more expensive to buy and maintain.  So, which is better — a catamaran or a monohull?  Catamarans offer space, stability, and a shallow draft. A monohull offers simplicity, sailing performance, and a boat that will right itself if the worst happens. They both have benefits. The choice is up to you. To get more details, listen to the full podcast or check out Catamaran or Monohull (https://theboatgalley.com/catamaran-or-monohull-2/). Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Today's episode is sponsored by Roam Devices. Their Marine Monitor is a premium boat monitoring system that allows you to stay informed with what's happening on your boat while you're ashore for just $349 and $5 per month. Never be caught off guard by a failing battery or burnt-out bilge pump —Your boat will text you as soon as anything starts going wrong! The Roam Devices app shows a real-time view of your boat's status and location with an awesome built in remote anchor alarm. RoamDevices.com - never worry about your boat from afar again. Use coupon code BOATGALLEY for an exclusive 5% discount.  Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig    

A meat favorite gets a makeover aboard. Here's how to make a crowd-pleasing vegetarian version of a classic meat dish, perfect for a boat galley!  Summary    Although the crew of Calypso isn't vegetarian, with limited cold storage, we eat like we are. And beans are a great meat substitute. The dried ones are especially fabulous on a boat. You're probably familiar with the ubiquitous brown lentils. You can find them everywhere. Even the smallest shop in the Tuamotus has them on the shelves. But the best lentils for this recipe are the black ones. Although they are harder to find, we stocked up on them in Panama. What makes them so perfect? The flavor is delicious, but the texture is even better.  Yes, many vegetarians rely on Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP) for that mouthfeel. But lentils are cheaper and require fewer extra ingredients.  My recipe is flexible, depending on the ingredients you have aboard. I've found it satisfies even the pickiest eaters. I saute assorted vegetables (onions, garlic, peppers, carrots, and zucchini are my go-tos). Add tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Add seasonings and canned corn before serving on top of bread.  For more details and the complete recipe, listen to the full podcast or check out Sloppy Joes, the Lentil Edition. Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): Large Sauté Pan (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/44gr0Cu TVP (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4a2HXEc Petite Green Lentils (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/48VVfBa Pardina Lentils (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3MjPB3a Nica email - [email protected] Carolyn email - [email protected] Today's episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself! Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig            

You may be tempted to stretch your budget to get a larger boat or more features. But wait. Have you considered the hidden costs you may pay when buying a boat? Summary When a friend started looking for a slightly larger boat, I began thinking about the hidden costs he'd have to pay. He found a larger catamaran that would cost around $300,000. Sure, it would be a stretch, but they thought it was possible--before they considered the extras. So what are these extras? And will they affect you? First, there is sales tax. It varies from state to state (or even by county). If he bought where we are, that would be 7.5%, or $22,500. Even though Florida caps sales tax at $18,000, that's still a big check to write. And what about insurance? Hull coverage is a percentage of the boat's value, and you must pay it every year. Of course, when buying a boat, you'll want to have a professional survey. Combined with the costs of hauling out, you're talking about thousands of dollars. That's for the basics. If you add in engine and rigging survey or oil analysis, you're looking at even more. If the survey reveals issues or you simply want to upgrade to make the boat fit you better, that's even more money--before even leaving the dock.   If you buy a larger boat, haulouts and marina stays will cost more over the life of the boat. And expect to pay 5 to 10% of the boat's value on maintenance every year. My friend did the review and realized that while they could probably afford the purchase, the ongoing costs would significantly affect their cruising plans. Don't get discouraged. Just look carefully at all the costs before you buy a boat. It's part of the delicate balancing act most cruisers make between money and satisfaction. For more details, listen to the complete podcast or read The Hidden Costs When Buying a Boat. Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links:  Free Boat Buyer's Checklist - https://theboatgalley.com/documents-for-boat-buyers-owners/ Today's episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by Lunatec, makers of the hydration spray bottle, odor-free dishcloth and self-cleaning washcloth. Lunatec offers practical gear designed to save water and reduce waste. A water bottle that doubles as a garden hose? A dish cloth that doesn't get stinky? Yes, please! Visit Lunatecgear.com to learn more; use code boatgalley to save 10% on everything. Lunatec: innovative gear for your outdoor adventures. Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig  

Thanksgiving when cruising can be challenging. Today I look at past celebrations aboard. Summary:  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This year, however, we're 5000 miles away from home. It could be easy to feel sad about missing family, but it also brings back memories. I associate Thanksgiving with a feeling of abundance. It's not just abou the food, but about the company. And it's the people we've shared past Thanksgivings with on the that come to mind at this time of year.  Our first holiday aboard, we tied up to my family's dock and enjoyed a restaurant meal. We've celebrated the season in Trinidad, the Bahamas, off the coast of Beaufort, and drove 1000 miles the next year to celebrate with family. Last year, we celebrated Thanksgiving in the Bahamas again, and this year, we're in the Tuamotus.  We may not find the provisions we associate with the holidays. But I'm sure our potluck with friends in the next atoll over will be fun just the same. The food will be delicious and the company entertaining. I'm sure it will be a Thanksgiving to remember.  For more details, listen to the complete podcast or read the transcript.  Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links:  Mustard carrot recipe -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2fpir4YqkU  Nica email - [email protected] Carolyn email - [email protected] The Boat Galley podcast is sponsored by FastSeas.com. Plan your next passage using FastSeas.com. Whether you are after speed or comfort, FastSeas will find the optimum route to your destination. FastSeas - making weather routing simple. Use coupon code GALLEY for an exclusive 10% discount. Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig      

If you've never checked into a marina or mooring field before, how do you learn? Here are the procedures and best practices.  Summary: When you're headed to a new marina or mooring field, prepare ahead of time by checking the layout. Visit their website or use Google Maps. Advanced familiarity will make the marina staff's instructions clearer later. Call when you're ten minutes out to get last-minute details to help you tie up. It gives you a chance to ask for landmarks to help you find the slip or to get information about how to tie up. Will you be getting help to tie up? If so, in the United States, a tip is customary. After you're tied up, get back to the marina office to make arrangements to pay and provide documents. I preferred to clean up a bit before checking in. It's simply a sign of respect and helps things go smoother. I kept all my documents in one place so I was ready. It's why we developed the Boat Documents Organizer. Look for a link in the show notes. After checking in, get the lay of the land. Where are the showers? Laundry? What is the WiFi password? And, will the marina be hosting any special events? To get more details, listen to the full podcast or check out How to Check Into a Marina. Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links): The Boat Documents Organizer - https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/the-boat-galley-boat-documents-organizer-large-size Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig